Adelaide University
Graduate Certificate in Nursing Specialising in Perioperative Nursing
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Enhance your skills in participating in current discussions related to surgical nursing.
Course overview
Adelaide University’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing, specialising in Perioperative Nursing, is designed to advance your skills in one of healthcare’s most demanding and rewarding areas. Perioperative nurses are vital members of surgical teams, providing expert care before, during and after surgery. This program gives you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and strengthen your practice in this specialised field.
You’ll gain insight into the challenges and responsibilities of perioperative nursing, while developing leadership, ethical awareness and confidence in evidence-based decision-making. Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible online and part-time options so you can study while continuing your career.
Through focused study and engagement with experienced academics and peers, you’ll be equipped to make a greater impact in surgical settings. On graduation, you’ll be ready to step into advanced clinical practice roles and play an even stronger part in supporting patients through critical stages of their healthcare journey.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
To complete the study for the Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Perioperative Nursing, students must complete 24 units for one of the following options:
Either:
- 24 units from discipline courses
- 24 units for electives
Unless otherwise indicated, each course is worth 12 units.
Core courses
- Perioperative Nursing
Core selectives
Complete one of the following courses:
- Best Practice in Circulating and Instrument Nursing
- Best Practice in Anaesthetics and PACU Nursing
Electives
Complete 24 units from the following:
- Primary Health Care
- Leadership and Management in Nursing and Midwifery
- Prescribing for clinicians (six units)
- Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Clinical Practice
- Infection Prevention and Control in Practice
- Advanced Lactation and Breastfeeding (six units)
- Maternal, Child and Family Health
- Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health (six units)
- Comprehensive Care of the Older Person
- Decision-Making for Midwifery and Nursing Practice
- Advanced Health Assessment, Diagnostics and Investigations
- Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Nursing Practice
Entry requirements
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.
- A completed bachelor's degree (AQF level 7) or higher from a recognised higher education institution.
- Hold or be eligible to hold registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be able to get credit for your course based on prior formal, non-formal or informal learning. To apply, you will need to provide supporting documentation outlined by the university. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Perioperative nursing offers a highly specialised and rewarding pathway within healthcare. By completing the Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Perioperative Nursing at Adelaide University, you’ll strengthen the skills and knowledge needed to provide safe, high-quality care before, during and after surgery.
You might work in an operating theatre, assisting with complex surgical procedures and supporting patients through critical moments. Or you could take on a senior role in a day surgery unit, coordinating care and guiding junior staff. Perhaps you’ll join a private surgical practice, where your expertise ensures patients are well supported from admission to recovery.
This qualification also provides a foundation for further study, enabling progression to further postgraduate study. With enhanced expertise in perioperative practice, graduates are well-prepared to make a tangible impact on patient outcomes across various surgical settings, including both public and private healthcare.
Fees and CSP
Estimated annual fee in 2026: From $2,369 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 24 units (normally four courses) per semester or year.
Student annual fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate programs.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the course you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.